The present invention provides a system and method for using a 3D scanner to define a path for an irrigation machine to follow using terrain, markings, or other identifiers (natural or manmade). According to a preferred embodiment, identifiers can be programmed into the control computer to recognize location and define steering inputs. The 3D sensors can also identify if a foreign object is present in the path to create notifications and change machine operating parameters (increased safety for collision avoidance). Accordingly, the system of the present invention uses 3D sensor input to modify a predefined path and/or other system parameters in response to detected image data.
